Jesús Colón was a pivotal figure for Puerto Rican and Latino communities in New York City, dedicating his life to activism and advocacy. His personal experiences as an immigrant working various low-wage jobs greatly shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by the working-class. As an ardent socialist, Colón used his writing to voice the struggles of marginalized groups and champion their rights.

Activism Through Journalism

In his role as a dedicated socialist, Jesús Colón contributed insightful articles to several major publications. He wrote for Justicia, a socialist newspaper distributed in Puerto Rico, and for New York City-based papers such as The Daily Worker and The Worker. His writings passionately defended the working class against injustices and criticized discriminatory attitudes towards Puerto Ricans, Latinos, and African Americans. The anthology he published in 1961 compiles many of these impactful articles, offering some in English for the first time. Through his journalism, Colón sought to bring awareness to social inequities and inspire change.

A Reporter with Deep Roots

Colón’s background as a newspaper reporter significantly influenced his literary sketches. Born into a modest peasant family, he portrayed Puerto Rican life with empathy and warmth by revisiting significant moments from his past. He emphasized folk traditions as central to Puerto Rican culture, providing a more nuanced perspective of their experiences. His personal journey of striving for success in New York after arriving at the young age of sixteen mirrored the broader narrative of Puerto Rican migration to the city during the 1920s. Despite the growing presence of Puerto Ricans in New York, Colón vocally protested against the prevailing negative stereotypes and attitudes they faced.

Memories and Cultural Reflection

Colón’s narratives often placed himself at the center, showcasing the essence of the Puerto Rican identity through personal anecdotes. His stories drew heavily on his childhood memories from rural Puerto Rico in the early 1900s. He vividly remembered the tobacco workers who, while rolling cigars, would listen to readers who recited literature so eloquently they could quote extensive passages by heart. These early experiences instilled in Colón a keen awareness of social injustices that plagued the working class, shaping his lifelong commitment to advocacy.

Capturing the Puerto Rican Spirit

Within the pages of Colón’s stories, readers encounter a vibrant array of characters residing in the Puerto Rican neighborhoods of New York. His works serve as an indispensable sociological record, meticulously documenting the immigrant experience. Colón's writings validate the everyday Puerto Rican immigrant as the hero of their own narrative, demonstrating their resilience and determination. He argued that the true essence of Puerto Rican history lies not in fleeting or sensational aspects, but in the enduring "traditions of striving for freedom and progress that pervade our daily life." Through his stories, Colón provided a platform for these voices, offering them dignity and recognition.